MLS: Timbers

The Timberswere actually the better of the two sides according to the stat sheet, but at the end of the match all those numbers were meaningless if you can’t put the ball into the back of the net. This is something Portland have struggled with all year long. They rank 14th in the 19 team MLS in goals scored.

To boot, this usually hasn’t been an issue when playing in front of their home crowd, which is why the result is even more puzzling to many.

Yes, the Dynamo are a solid side. The fact that Portland outplayed Houston in all facets of the game is what may make this a bitter pill to swallow for the club and fans alike.

Andre Hainault got the scoring underway in the 36th minute. A goal that was scored while the Timbers had a player off of the field receiving treatment.

The dagger was placed when a 30-yard screamer from Danny Cruz found its way into the top corner of the net in the 59th minute.

For the match., Portland finishes with more possession time, more shots on target, better passing accuracy, and half as many fouls.

Well, it isn’t looking as well as it was before the loss to Houston. They still have that game in hand over the New York Red Bulls. That could come into play if the Red Bulls draw or lose their last match of the regular season.

For the Timbers to capture that last spot, they would basically have to win their last two matches. The matches are against United and Real Salt Lake, so the odds of them winning both aren’t very good. Take into account that the matches are both on the road–and the odds get even worse.

We’ll know more on the 19th though.

If Portland manage to go into DC and come away with full points, they will turn into the biggest Union fans you could ever hope to meet. Referring to the Red Bulls fixture with the Philadelphia Union.

After that one, we’ll find out whether or not Portland’s match against RSL will mean anything.

10th New York Red Bulls 43 +5 GD One game remaining

11th Chicago Fire 40 +0 GD One game remaining

12th Portland Timbers 40 -8 GD Two games remaining

13th DC United 38 -2 GD Two games remaining

Other News

In their match against Houston, Portland was kept off of the score line for just the second time in fifteen matches at home this season. They have scored 30 goals at JELD-WEN Field this season.

In comparison, they have been kept out seven times in just thirteen matches on the road. Scoring just eight times in those matches.